1990 Toyota Tercel from North America

Summary:

Reliable tin can

Faults:

The exhaust system gets clogged, and fumes enter into the vehicle.

These model Toyotas have a problem with the doors not working. I've had to take the door panels off twice to fix the doors (no small feat, but it beats crawling in through the hatchback).

Leaks oil.

General Comments:

Aside from complaints about comfort and the style of the car, I have to say that is super reliable. I have never put the key in the ignition and had it not start. Through snow, ice and temperatures going down below zero.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2000

1990 Toyota Tercel SE 1.5 from North America

Summary:

Gutless wonder

Faults:

Exhaust... not rusted out, plugged due to carbon buildup (notorious on Tercels apparently...)

The rear hatch lock no longer works. I have to rely on the trunk release.

General Comments:

Overall it goes from A to B with exceptional reliability.

Starts well when cold (-30!) if you understand it... otherwise, it floods easily.

Burns no virtually no oil.

Occasionally runs on, (due to carbon buildup) higher octane gas seems to cure this.

Limited seating, both front and rear (I'm 6'0" and am about as large a person who could drive this car).

As much as I despise its ugly appearance and gutless performance, the car just plain runs.

A new car would depreciate more being driven off the lot than I have spent acquiring and maintaining this car for a year. For $2000.00 purchase and $350 Cdn maintenance, I have had and continue to own a reliable vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd November, 2000

15th Aug 2003, 20:33

The kilometerage seems amazingly low! Is that for real?

23rd Mar 2004, 14:01

Yes...the kms are for real. Vehicle is now up to 110,000k.

I bought the car from a priest (really!) - apparently he only drove only on Sundays.

We use the car as a 2nd vehicle now, and it has proven itself more reliable than our 03 Escape. In 5 years of ownership it has never left me stranded, more than I can say for our new car.

The body is seriously rusting out, but she remains flat out reliable. Apart from maintenance, (of which I now do the very minimum) I have had the starter rebuilt the fan blower replaced since my last posting. That's it.

If you need a dirt cheap driving appliance this is it.

1990 Toyota Tercel EZ 1.4 from North America

Summary:

Outstanding value

Faults:

It started leaking oil recently and is in for repairs right now. Otherwise, I've only had regular maintenance and upkeep such as tires, oil changes, replacing timing belt, brakes, etc.

The paint job is wearing thin in a "skunk stripe" down the top of the car.

General Comments:

This has been an excellent vehicle. Very sturdy (even if it does resemble a roller skate), inexpensive upkeep, reliable service. Another driver slammed into me in a parking lot, knocking my car into another parked car. The ugly black rubber bumper absorbed all the damage!

I will buy from Toyota again if their newer cars are made as well as this one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2000

1990 Toyota Tercel EZ 1.5l 4 speed manual from North America

Faults:

Absolutely nothing! As a matter of fact, the car sustained $1500 damage to the front in an accident and continues to run great. Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.

General Comments:

Replaced timing belt after 75k miles, brakes at 85k. Has a tendency to "buck" during acceleration until warmed up. Great car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 1998